OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Unusual Customisation Projects My Victa 18 Special Coffee Table Project

Hi to All, The coffee table project is underway at last!

Well, have just completed the strip down of the chassis, not as easy as I thought due to some corrosion between the alloy and steel bolts....but with the help of WD40 and plenty of patience, I got there in the end.
Here is a 'before' pic...

Here's a few after dis-assembly...
The base in great overall condition, no holes or cracks

Below; base, cowling and recoil starter....that needs the 'T' handle

Below; axles, exhaust plate and engine with head removed.

Worn axles...will need work



Engine...Light surface rust in bore, no lip, no piston movement or scoring...looks good!!

Box of assorted parts for cleaning...

Below; severe corrosion of left hand front axle clamp...cracking evident and the 'U' moulding is fused inside...

Well that's it so far....Off to the blasters to get the base, handles, cowling and recoil done...

Oh....I almost forgot...for Ty's and others Victa Serial Number records...the engine number is: AA14992 with the lower crankcase number: 6.... Victa 125. But....it has been fitted new with an earlier engine.
It has some parts left over from the Model 4 Automatic; (axle housing extensions) this makes it a Model 5, Series 1 machine.

When I first got it, I couldn't work out why it would only turn over so far before stopping, somehow for whatever reason someone had put a 1/4 inch socket in through the spark plug hole and left it there. the bore was worse than that before, I cleaned it up a little and hosed it down pretty thoroughly with WD 40.

After that, I put it up the back for a good 8 months or so and now Darryl has it!

Yeah Joe, the bore looks good now Joe, but for now it will be a non-runner....and serve as a coffee table...
Di has christened it "Mervyn"

Maybe you should just have it like my coffee table. Mine doesn't even have a piston in it, as it has a snapped conrod. Also it's not like it needs to mow any lawns at all. Grass doesn't grow inside the house.

Hi Jeffrey, yes mate you're right there, it will just be a coffee table for now...but it's nice to know that down the track it could be put in working order if needs be...I will lightly lubricate it all thoroughly before I mothball it.

Yeah I suppose that would be good.I've never had to worry about that as I know my coffee table engine is dead.

I know what you mean, I have the barrel and head off for cleaning and find that the fly wheel appears almost fused to the shaft....I won't even try to get it off....so it looks like this one is dead as well!!
RIP!!
Anyone for coffee??

If in doubt get a bigger hammer. lol

I have a puller made for it I will call you and come over for a few drinkies in the next week or so and get R done

Hi Deejay , don't give up on the flywheel , they come off easy with a puller , just put a few drops of Penetrene on the thread and let soak 'til Joe comes over, sometimes they come off with a bit of leverage (screwdrivers) on each side.

Hi Joe, you are a legend...looking forward to that!!

Hi Alan, thanks mate for that....I have got it soaking with WD40, did that yesterday....I haven't got Penetrene...will WD do the same job? The engine has quite a bit of built up crud around it...if I can get it all apart, I think it will make cleaning a lot easier.

BTW....there is a PM there for you.

I tend to find penetrene much more effective than WD, but it can be tricky to find stockists.

Theres one mob I found in Canberra with it, If you like, when I do this VIC trip soon, i can stop by and visit on the return, and give you a can you can try out for yourself.

You could call it a Christmas present

You can get Penetrene from Repco. There may be other chains that sell it. (I like it too, but I resent the price.)

I did not realise repco had it, do they sell the liquid packs, or just the aerosol cans.

I find the liquid packs more cost effective, you just need to get a decent refillable spray bottle.

I've only ever used liquid packs, Ty. That's what I've bought from Repco.

Sorry I wouldn't buy anything from Repco to [Censored] expensive.After all we all know what Repco stands for.Don't ask if you don't know I wouldn't be able to type it on here,it does contain some strong language.

Hi Ty, and thanks for the offer mate. I have got it soaking with a 3 in one oil....I states that it oils, cleans and penetrates...I won't attempt to remove the flywheel till Joe arrives with the puller....
If you can grab me some Penetrene, just let me know and I'll send you some cash by direct debit...
Thanks again Ty...

Just an update... I just scored some hubcaps and a fuel tank sticker from fleaBay, just saving some pennies for some wheels for it, from the online store....